What's Race Got To Do With It?

Social Disparities and Student Success

Despite 15 years of diversity programs and initiatives, many of our discussions about race remain mired in confusion. Even a casual observer can't help but notice how structural racism is ignored, how multiculturalism is confused with equality, and how many campuses remain hamstrung in their efforts to become more inclusive and welcoming of everyone. Ironically, in responding to surveys, many students claim they already know all they need to know about diversity and they shy away from opportunities to engage in interracial dialogue and understanding.

WHAT'S RACE GOT TO DO WITH IT? is a new documentary film that goes beyond identity politics, celebratory history and interpersonal relations to consider social disparities and their impact on student success in today's post-Civil Rights world.

In one sense, WHAT'S RACE GOT TO DO WITH IT? is a "sequel" to SKIN DEEP, California Newsreel's compelling 1995 release which has become a core audiovisual 'text' in student affairs and youth programs across the nation. Like SKIN DEEP, this new film chronicles the experiences of a diverse group of college students - in this case, over the course of a 16-week intergroup dialogue program - as they probe and confront each other about such issues as underrepresentation, the limitations of multiculturalism, social equity, affirmative action, and their own responsibilities for making a difference.

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